Microcomputed tomography imaging of extracted mandibular premolar root apices: Radiographic considerations of periapical findings

Abstract Introduction: This study aims to investigate the apical morphology of mandibular premolars using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) analysis. The research quantified the distance from the apical foramen to the anatomical apex (AFA) and apical constriction to the anatomical apex (ACA) concerning the periapical (PA) findings. Materials and Methods: Three-dimensional scanning images of 80 extracted mandibular premolar teeth were reconstructed using the free software. The apical morphology, including the location of apical foramen (AF) and apical constriction (AC), and the mean distance from AFA, ACA, and mid-AF to AC (AFC) in relation to PA radiographic findings, was evaluated. All the parameters were evaluated by two researchers. The independent t -test was utilized to assess the mean differences of AFA and ACA between the two groups regarding PA findings. Results: Eighteen subjects (22.5%) exhibited radiographic evidence of PA lesions or root resorption. Conversely, 62 subjects (77.5%) indicated no signs of PA lesions. Consequently, the average AFA distances were 0.46 mm and 0.54 mm with and without accounting for PA findings, respectively. The average ACA and the height between AFC regarding PA findings were also 0.62 and 0.48 mm, respectively. In contrast, these values in the absence of PA findings were 0.78 and 0.53 mm, respectively. Conclusion: Despite certain constraints, this micro-CT study did not demonstrate significant correlations among AFA, ACA, AFC distances, and PA evidence. Therefore, subsequent research should augment the total quantity of tooth samples pertaining to PA findings. This augmented dataset will facilitate more rigorous statistical analysis and accurately represent the actual alterations in apical morphology.